2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · TL58 TAM

A consistent pattern of front suspension wear dominates this Fiestas MOT history and represents the principal mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. The 2024 test recorded both front suspension arm ball joints as excessively worn, resulting in a fail, and while the vehicle subsequently passed at the end of September 2024 with no advisories, the October 2025 test reveals that the near side anti-roll bar ball joint is now showing slight play. The combination of worn suspension arm joints followed so soon by play developing in the anti-roll bar linkage suggests the front suspension has been deteriorating progressively, with adjacent components now beginning to show wear as the original joints were renewed or as stress redistributes through the subframe. A minor oil leak was also flagged at the most recent test, alongside an advisory regarding rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear on both sides. The cumulative picture is one of a high-mileage Fiesta where the suspension bushings and linkage joints are approaching the end of their service life and warrant close physical inspection. Recorded mileage of 146,289 against a fifteen-year age equates to roughly 9,750 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage, though the upper end of the range for a small hatchback of this era. There are no unusual gaps in the MOT testing record and no multi-year lay-up periods that would raise concerns regarding brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, or stale fluids. The continuous annual testing pattern suggests the vehicle has remained in regular service, which is consistent with the natural wear profile seen across the suspension and brake components. The mileage accumulation does, however, confirm that consumable items such as brake discs, pads, and tyres have likely been replaced multiple times, and the fact that the front tyres were already approaching the legal limit at the most recent test indicates they may need replacement imminently depending on usage since October 2025. Given the suspension advisories, a careful test drive should focus specifically on the front end. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as this would confirm worn ball joints or anti-roll bar bushes beyond the advisory threshold. On a quiet stretch of road, brake firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal, which would suggest warped front discs given the high mileage. The steering should track true without pulling to either side, and any vagueness or delay in steering response could indicate play in the front suspension arms. Inspect the front tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which would corroborate the worn-on-edge advisory from the most recent test and suggest the suspension geometry has been compromised. Several other items flagged in the history deserve specific attention before purchase. Check the rear axle swivel pin and bush condition by pressing down firmly on each rear corner and releasing, observing whether the rebound is controlled or whether there is a secondary bouncing motion indicative of worn bushes. Inspect the engine bay and underside for any evidence of fresh oil residue around the sump, rocker cover, or front crankshaft seal to gauge whether the flagged oil leak has worsened. Examine the exhaust system along its full length for signs of corrosion or active blowing, particularly around joints and the catalytic converter area, given the minor exhaust leak advisory from 2023. Finally, verify the operation of the windscreen washer system and confirm the parking brake holds the vehicle on an incline with confidence, as both were failure items at the 2024 test. A borescope inspection of the front subframe mounting points would also be prudent to rule out the corrosion that sometimes affects high-mileage Fiestas of this generation, though no such advisories have been recorded to date.